Discovery summer (Benenden)

Discovery Summer Benenden

Age: 8-12 years old, 13-16 years old.

Dates, 2026:
10–17 July, 29 July–7 August (1 week),
10–24 July, 17–31 July, 24 July–7 August (2 weeks),
10–29 July, 17 July–7 August (3 weeks),
10 July–7 August (for 4 weeks, only for children aged 13–15).

Benenden school is a prestigious traditional school set in 100 acres of beautiful parkland in Kent, within easy reach of London and Gatwick Airport. The school has a superb, secure campus, just an hour's drive from the coast, with excellent facilities. The village of Benenden, a short walk away, is It is the quintessential English school with a cricket pitch, historic church and village shop.

In the summer, the school offers children a challenging and exciting English language programme, as well as opportunities to take up tennis, horse riding and trampolining.

Key Features

• Study and live in a safe and prestigious traditional boarding school in a warm, family-like atmosphere.
• A secure campus with excellent sports and play facilities.
• A wonderful, caring school staff who provide support for those away from home for the first time.
• A rich and varied activity programme.
• International mix of pupils, including British children.
• A maximum of 12 students per class.

Facilities

The school has excellent sports facilities, including a 25m 6-lane indoor swimming pool, a first-class sports hall, a dance studio, a modern gym, an all-weather track, a 400m athletics track, football pitches and 11 tennis courts. There is also a 500-seat theatre, a modern music hall and a drama studio.

Programme

The programme includes 20 hours of lessons per week, (including English lessons, English workshops and a presentation at the end of the week).

The required level of English to study on the programme is:
for children aged 8-12 - from A1 to C1,
for children aged 13-15 - A2 to C1.

The modules of the programme are:

1. English Language Skills.

On arrival, children will take a written and oral test and will be placed in an English class that is appropriate for their age and level.

Children will develop key language skills: grammar, reading, writing, listening and speaking. Lessons are designed to help them communicate confidently.

Lessons are lively, interactive and fun, with topics that challenge creative thinking. For example, the topic of “Animal Astronauts” will see children reading about animals that have been to space and designing a training programme for space dogs. Or the topic of “British Folklore” children explore the boundaries between fact and fiction, study famous legends such as Robin Hood and create their own.

2. English Masterclasses

These are fun activities where children will explore new topics, research and discuss.

The workshop topics change from week to week.

For younger students, for example, “Breakfast TV”, “British Musicals”, “Incredible Inventors”, “Online Game Development”, “Nature Explorers”, “Magical Arts”, “Songwriting”, “3D Maps and Models”, “NASA Space Designers”.

For older students, eg “Business Innovators”, “Leadership in Action”, “Film Directors”, “Marketing Technology”, “Psychological Challenge”, “Comedy Performance and Drama”, “British Wildlife Quest”.

3. Trinity Exam

A spoken English exam. Trinity Exam is held on 22 July and 5 August 2025. It is additional and is recommended for those who want to assess their language level, £130

Accommodation and pandation

Accommodation in a residence on the school grounds, in rooms for 2-6 people, bathrooms are shared. Children are always under the supervision of school staff. The staff to student ratio is at least 1:4. There is a nurse on site.

Meals are served three times a day. The school offers healthy meals taking into account all diets, including halal.

The school has a restricted access to mobile phones so that children can make new friends and try out a variety of new activities. WiFi is only available at certain times.

Extra Activities

The school offers professional sports lessons in groups: horse riding, tennis and trampoline jumping (for an additional fee). Lessons are held twice a week and last for 1 hour.

• Tennis. Lessons are available for all levels. Children are taught all the basic skills and practice matches are organized.
• Horse Riding. The riding stables offer excellent conditions for indoor and outdoor training, as well as horse riding near the school. Children are also taught how to manage the stable. Helmet and boots provided.
• Trampoline Jumping. A great way to boost your confidence. This low-impact activity reduces stress, burns calories, and develops balance, coordination, and motor skills.

Recreational Activities

Every day, the school offers a variety of sports, arts, and crafts. Some require focus, some teach new skills, and some are just plain fun.

Sports:

• Aerobics
• Track and Field
• Badminton
• Basketball
• Dance
• Dodgeball
• Fitness
• Aces
• Football
• Lacrosse
• Netball
• Tennis
• Squash
• Swimming
• Table Tennis
• Frisbee
• Volleyball
• Water Polo
• Yoga

Arts + Creative Activities

• Arts & Crafts
• Baking
• Digital Photography
• Theatre
• Film Making
• Henna Painting
• Animation

Evening Activities

• Team Competitions
• Quiz Games
• Talent Show
• Traditional British Games
• Disco
• BBQ
• Pool Parties

Excursions

The school offers exciting excursions and study trips. Children will have fun with new friends at theme parks, zoos and famous London landmarks. They will learn more about British culture, explore historic cities, famous university colleges, castles, museums, galleries, modern attractions and much more.

All tickets/entrance fees are included in the price.

Before the excursions, children can research the places they plan to visit in class. During the excursions, small tasks (such as finding photos) can be set to help you get the most out of your trips.

The course includes 2 excursions per week.
Examples of excursions:

• Canterbury.
  Children will discover the charm of this ancient city. Explore the stunning Canterbury Cathedral, soak up centuries of history and culture, and enjoy the city’s bustling shops and cafes.
• Thorpe Park Theme Park.
  Thorpe Park Resort is an amazing theme park with over 30 thrilling rides and attractions to suit everyone.
• Chessington.
  Chessington World of Adventures is an exciting theme park just outside of London. With over 40 thrilling rides and attractions and a zoo, it’s guaranteed to be a fun day out!
• Margate.
  A day trip to Margate with a visit to the iconic Dreamland Theme Park. Children will enjoy fun rides and experiences along the British coastline, before visiting the stunning Turner Contemporary gallery on the seafront.
• London.
  This year's London excursion programme is better than ever. Children will visit the British Museum, the Tower of London, Westminster and the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. There will be time for shopping in Covent Garden, Hamleys and Oxford Street.

Sample daily timetable

8:00 am - Breakfast and school assembly
9:15 am - 3 lessons and 1 workshop (with breaks)
1:00 pm - Lunch
2:00 pm - English Seminar
15:30 – Activities or extra sports
17:30 – Dinner
19:30 – Evening activities
21:15 – School assembly and leisure time in houses
22:00 – Lights out

Cost, 2026

1 week – £1,900
2 weeks – £3,800
3 weeks – £5,700
4 weeks – £6,700

Included in the price

• Training
• Accommodation and meals
• All sports, entertainment activities and excursions
• Laundry
• Transfers from and to the airport Heathrow or Gatwick

Additionally paid

• Tennis/trampoline jumping - £100 per week
• Horse riding - £150 per week
• Flight
• Visa
• Insurance
• Educational company services

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT FROM OTHER COMPANIES

• We have been working since 1996
• We choose camps with a minimum number of Russian speakers
• We only place children in good conditions
• We conducted a personal inspection of almost all the schools we offer
• We do not work with the mass segment, only camps for discerning clients
• 24/7 phone always works 
• Why our clients value us

How to choose summer courses